Vocabulary in Context
31 Grade 8 English questions on Vocabulary in Context, with worked marking schemes. 31 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 mark"The new policy was met with a barrage of criticism from opposition leaders."
"Barrage" means:
A. silence
B. support
C. an overwhelming amount
D. a little
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 2
1 mark"Globalisation has transformed the world into a 'global village'. Information travels instantly, goods are traded across continents, and cultures influence each other at an unprecedented rate."
The word "unprecedented" means:
A. never seen before
B. expected
C. gradual
D. common
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 3
1 mark"The government implemented stringent measures to curb corruption."
"Stringent" means:
A. popular
B. strict
C. lenient
D. temporary
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 4
1 mark"The incessant noise from the construction site made it impossible to concentrate."
The word "incessant" means:
A. distant
B. loud
C. occasional
D. continuous
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 5
1 markThe antonym of "loquacious" is:
A. taciturn
B. verbose
C. eloquent
D. talkative
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
A. loquacious = talkative; antonym = taciturn (silent)
Question 6
1 mark"The policy has been scrutinised by experts." "Scrutinised" means:
A. examined very carefully
B. ignored
C. rejected
D. praised
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 7
1 mark"After hours of deliberation, the committee reached a unanimous decision."
"Unanimous" means:
A. split
B. agreed by everyone
C. controversial
D. secret
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 8
1 markWhich word correctly fills: "The teacher asked the students to _______ from talking."
A. refuse
B. retain
C. refine
D. refrain
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 9
1 mark"He spoke in a perfunctory manner." "Perfunctory" means:
A. enthusiastic
B. carried out with minimal effort
C. careful
D. loud
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
B. perfunctory = minimal effort, going through motions
Question 10
1 mark"The audacious journalist published the confidential report." "Audacious" means:
A. dishonest
B. fearful
C. bold and daring
D. careful
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 11
1 mark"The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms reminded them of life's fragility." "Ephemeral" means:
A. colourful
B. long-lasting
C. strong
D. brief and quickly fading
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 12
1 mark"The tranquil forest was suddenly disturbed by the sound of chainsaws. Within weeks, the once-lush woodland had been reduced to bare stumps and dust."
The word "tranquil" means:
A. dark
B. noisy
C. dangerous
D. peaceful and quiet
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 13
1 mark"The tenacious athlete never gave up despite injuries." "Tenacious" means:
A. talented
B. giving up easily
C. injured
D. holding firmly to purpose
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
D. tenacious = holding firmly to purpose
Question 14
1 mark"The benevolent businessman donated millions to charity."
"Benevolent" means:
A. kind and generous
B. wealthy
C. famous
D. selfish
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
A. 'Benevolent' = well-meaning, generous
Question 15
1 markThe word "inter-" in "international" means:
A. against
B. within
C. between
D. above
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 16
1 mark"Her reticence during the meeting was unusual."
"Reticence" means:
A. enthusiasm
B. silence/reserve
C. anger
D. confusion
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 17
1 mark"The symbiotic relationship between bees and flowers benefits both." "Symbiotic" means:
A. one-sided
B. competitive
C. mutually beneficial
D. harmful to one party
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
C. symbiotic = mutually beneficial relationship
Question 18
1 markA word that has two or more meanings is called:
A. a synonym
B. a homonym
C. an antonym
D. a homophone
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
B. homonym = same spelling/sound, different meanings
Question 19
1 mark"The redundant workers were given compensation packages."
"Redundant" means:
A. no longer needed
B. efficient
C. skilled
D. lazy
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
A. 'Redundant' = surplus, no longer needed
Question 20
1 mark"The verdant hills of Nyeri are breathtaking." "Verdant" means:
A. cold and misty
B. rocky
C. lush and green
D. steep
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 21
1 mark"She gave a succinct summary of the report." "Succinct" means:
A. detailed
B. lengthy
C. confusing
D. brief and clear
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 22
1 mark"The dormant volcano showed signs of activity." "Dormant" means:
A. destroyed
B. active
C. extinct
D. temporarily inactive
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 23
1 mark"The witness gave a candid account of the incident."
"Candid" means:
A. brief
B. emotional
C. frank and honest
D. dishonest
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 24
1 mark"Her sanguine outlook helped her through difficult times." "Sanguine" means:
A. angry
B. fearful
C. pessimistic
D. optimistic
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 25
1 mark"The student read extensively, consulted multiple sources, and wrote a comprehensive essay."
The word "comprehensive" means:
A. confusing
B. covering all aspects thoroughly
C. partial
D. brief
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 26
1 markWhich word is an example of a portmanteau?
A. run
B. brunch (breakfast + lunch)
C. house
D. quickly
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 27
1 mark"The ambassador's speech was both diplomatic and persuasive."
"Diplomatic" means:
A. tactful
B. rude
C. boring
D. brief
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 28
1 markThe prefix "mis-" in "misunderstand" means:
A. too much
B. wrongly
C. again
D. before
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 29
1 mark"Her loquacious nature made her popular at parties." "Loquacious" means:
A. shy
B. very talkative
C. beautiful
D. intelligent
(1 mark)
Marking scheme for this question
Create a free account to see itQuestion 30
1 mark"His magnanimous act surprised everyone." "Magnanimous" means:
A. generous and forgiving
B. sudden
C. cunning
D. selfish
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 31
1 mark"The sagacious elder offered wise counsel." "Sagacious" means:
A. old
B. foolish
C. having good judgement
D. aggressive
(1 mark)
Marking scheme
C. sagacious = having good judgement/wisdom
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